President expresses grief over MP blasts, Karnataka train accident

New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday condoled the loss of lives due to twin explosions in Madhya Pradesh’s Jhabua district and a train derailment in Karnataka.

“I am sad to know about the gas cylinder explosion this (Saturday) morning in Jhabua district in which a large number of people have lost their lives and many others are injured,” he said in a message to Madhya Pradesh Governor Ram Naresh Yadav.

He also hoped that authorities would provide all possible aid to the bereaved families and medical assistance to the injured.

“Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery to all the injured persons,” he said in a statement issued here.

Eighty three people were killed and over 100 injured when an explosion at a tea stall packed with customers was followed by a massive blast that ripped through an adjoining building in Jhabua earlier in the day.

The president also condoled the loss of lives in the Karnataka train accident. Two women passengers died and eight people were injured when nine coaches of a speeding Mumbai-bound Duronto Express derailed.

“I am sad to learn about the derailment of a train at Martur Railway Station near Kalaburagi city in Karnataka this (Saturday) morning, as a result of which some persons have lost their lives and others are injured.

“I understand rescue as well as relief operations are currently underway,” the president said in another message to Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala.

He also called upon the state government and the railway authorities to provide all possible assistance to the bereaved families and the best medical attention to the injured.